What is MR Angiography?

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) provides highly detailed pictures of blood vessels using a strong magnetic field and radio frequency pulses. MRA does not use ionizing radiation and does not involve x-ray exposure. Detailed MRA images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (CT scanning). It is also an alternative technique to catheter-based angiography which is more invasive and also uses ionizing radiation.

MR Angiography is commonly performed to evaluate for blood vessel disorder problems such as aneurysms (balloon like bulging), stenosis (narrowing), dissection (wall splitting), malformations or fistula (abnormal vascular connections). These conditions can occur in the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen (such as liver and kidneys), and legs.

How to Prepare?

On the day of the exam, you may eat normally. Take all of your prescribed medications as directed. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding garments that have zippers, belts or buttons made of metal. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure. An MRA uses a strong magnet, so you will be asked to remove your watch, and any other jewelry, hairpins or metal objects. You may also be asked to remove any makeup you are wearing, as some brands contain trace amounts of metal.

You should tell the technologist if you have a pacemaker, brain aneurysm clip, hearing implant, and/or metal fragments near the eye as they may potentially pose a risk depending on their nature.

Women should always inform their physicians and technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

What to Expect?

You will be comfortably positioned on an exam table that slides into the MRI scanner. The technologist will perform the MRA sequences at the control unit in an adjoining room. You will be able to communicate with the technologist by means of an intercom, and music or earplugs will be available for your comfort.

MRA exams include multiple runs (sequences), some of which may last several minutes. Some MRA examinations may require you to receive an injection of contrast dye into the bloodstream. Depending on the type of exam, the entire exam is typically completed in 15 to 45 minutes.